South London post-hardcore/pop-punk crew Our Lives in Cinema have recently released a self-titled EP. Taking influence from early noughties emo, there are underlying flavours of Alkaline Trio and My Chemical Romance, infused with a more modern pop-punk twist. The EP is short and sweet with only three songs, but there’s a lot packed into it.
First track Cut and Run* is energetic and tense, with angsty multi-tracked vocal delivery. The tight guitar lines standout in the mix and overall it leaves me thinking of Rival Schools. The song descends into an interesting melodic multi-vocal section that reminds me a bit of Brand New’s execution on Deja Entendu.
You can definitely hear the influence of Jeff Rosenstock in the vocal on second track I’m Drunk! And None of This is Real. The song has the all-too-familiar feel of booze-fuelled memory loss, bad sleep and haunted dreams.
I’ve Got This speaks with the kind of doubtful self-confidence everyone enjoys, and the backing vocal on the chorus works particularly well. The refrain has more of a New Found Glory-ish classic pop punk feel, by far the most upbeat and uplifting track on the album.
Our Lives In Cinema prove that teen angst is at its best when delivered by a group of thirty-something blokes. It’s a fun EP with a lot of talent packed into three well-crafted tracks – they have really got the multi-layer vocals and the 6-string work right. Unfortunately, some of the production leaves the low-end sounding a muddy and there’s a lack of definition between the instruments. On the plus side, this means the lead guitar stands out especially well throughout. It’s a good start from a relatively new band, and I can’t wait to catch the songs in full live.
The EP is out now. You can listen on Spotify and follow the band on Facebook.
Our Lives in Cinema are currently looking to book more live dates, particularly in October/November, but you can catch them at these two excellent shows:
- The Watford Old Brewery on 30th September with The Dissociates, Triple Sundae, Second in Line, Codename Colin, Paper Champ and more, all in aid of Herts Young Homeless.
- The New Cross Inn on 16th December with Consumed, Spoilers, No Matter and Mug.
*Cut and Run video by Matt Salmon.
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